The Lion King Teaser Trailer: The Sun Rises Again

The rising sun at the start of the trailer of the new Lion King movie is indicative of the film itself. The story of Simba is now back, just as a sun rises to the east and a new day is born. A voiceover from James Earl Jones’ Mufasa “A king’s time as a ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day the sun will set on my time here and will rise with as you the new king,” adds strength to this idea.

The viewer is then introduced to Simba – the cub to whom these lines are spoken to. Though none of these characters are named in the trailer, one does get the idea because of the acquaintance with the original which released in 1994.

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While Danny Glover takes over from Matthew Broderick as Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor becomes Scar – a role played by Jeremy Irons in the original.

Rest of the cast comprises Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Oliver as Zazu, Keegan Michael Key as Kamari and Beyonce as Nala.

Having directed 2016’s live-action/CGI movie The Jungle Book that went on to become one of the highest grossing films, Jon Favreau returns to direct this animation movie. Hans Zimmer, whose score can be heard in the trailer, has been retained as the music composer. Elton John has been roped in to rework his compositions from the original movie.

Said to be inspired from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Lion King is the story of Simba the cub, whose father Mufasa rules over the jungles of Paradise Lands. Simba’s uncle and Mufasa’s younger brother, Scar, murders Mufasa and manipulates Simba into thinking he was responsible for the death. Growing up in exile, Simba’s coming of age and his subsequent quest for revenge forms the crux of the movie.

Produced by Walt Disney, who had also produced the original, The Lion King is set to release on July 19 next year.